Tsamadou Beach, Samos. Greece.

Tsamadou beach is among the most beautiful beaches in Samos island. Located about 3 km from Kokkari, Tsamadou is a lovely bay surrounded by lush greenery and with crystal blue green water. A small path leads from the main road to this wonderful beach that is lined up with delicious taverns and few beach cafeterias.
When it is wind, the beach is affected with waves, but generally it is an amazing place to relax. Tsamadou has soft pebbles and it is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. This is also the only official nudist beach in Samos. In fact, the right part of the beach as you climb down the path is nudist.

Lemonakia Beach, Samos. Greece.

Lemonakia Beach is within walking distance of Kokkari and is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers in summer. Just 100 meters off the main road, the pebble and sand beach has calmer water than other area beaches, making it ideal for swimming. The water is a clear, turquoise hue. You can gaze into it for hours on an umbrella-shaded sun lounger. Head to the small taverna right on the beach for food.

Lemonakia can get crowded in summer. For less crowds check out Tsamadou Beach, which is within walking distance.

Mount Kerkis and Southern Samos. Greece.

Mount Kerkis rises up 1,434 meters in the center of the southern portion of Samos and can be summited via a hiking trail. If you don't want to go all the way up, there are plenty of other hiking trail choices on its flanks. The countryside around Mt. Kerkis also showcases a more tranquil and less developed side of Samos.

Here, you'll find just a few quiet fishing villages and only one proper resort area at Votsalakia (also known as Kampos). If you are interested in hiking up the mountain, head to this beach resort to enquire about the trails. While here, you can relax on its beautiful white-sand beach. Other beautiful beaches around here include the pretty and ultra quiet Psili Ammos Beach, which also hosts a number of restaurants serving fresh fish and other local fare.

Samos: Mount Kerkis forrests sliding into the sea. View from Panagia Makryni. Corfu forests that end at sea. View of Panagia Makrini by Phaethon.

Héraion (Temple of Hera) of Greece.

Ruins of Temple of Hera.

Lying eight kilometers west of Pythagórion is the Heraion, the Temple of Hera, one of the island's top tourist attractions. A succession of temples was built on this site from the eighth century BC onwards, culminating with a colossal structure measuring some 45 meters by 80 meters, supported by at least 100 columns, which was begun around 570 BC.

The structure was destroyed 30 years later in a Persian raid. A replacement was planned on an even larger scale, and would have been the largest Greek temple ever built, but it was never to be completed.

Today, the archaeological site around the Heraion includes altars and smaller temples, as well as the ruins of a fifth-century Christian basilica. Finds from the site are exhibited in the archaeological museum in Samos Town.

Sámos is an island of unique natural beauty. Greece.

Sámos is the mythical birthplace of the Goddess Hera, and the island's temple, dedicated to Hera, the UNESCO-listed Heraion (built around 570 BC) is one of the most important sanctuaries of the ancient world. During the 6th century, a processional route led from the town of Sámos to the Heraion. This Sacred Road was adorned with votive statues, currently replaced by replicas. The original statues are displayed in the Sámos Archaeological Museum.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the 6th-century-BC Aqueduct of Eupalinos in Pythagoreion, considered an outstanding feat of ancient engineering.

Covered with pristine woodlands, the lush island of Sámos offers natural wonders. Challenging hikes at the rugged Mount Kerkis reward with amazing coastal views. Kokkari village, the island's capital, is a gorgeous seaside resort surrounded by beaches, pine forests, and olive groves.

For fun in the sun, the beaches in Marathokampos are renowned for golden sands and excellent facilities. Psili Ammos (also known as "Chrisi Ammos") is a favorite Marathokampos beach for swimming because of its calm, shallow waters. High above the shoreline, the hilltop village of Marathokampos delights with its old-world charm and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Kokkari Village on Sámos Island.